Fantasy Figures and the Fantasy of Figures - Kow Yokoyama Maschinen Krieger Exhibit: The Fantasy World of 3D Figures

On July 13, the exhibit “Kow Yokoyama Maschinen Krieger Exhibit: The Fantasy World of 3D Figures” began at the Hachioji Yume Art Museum in Hachioji, Tokyo. The exhibit features figures and artwork on display with a focus on mecha that have appeared in the sci-fi series Maschinen Krieger which modeler and illustrator Kow Yokoyama has continued to work on for over 30 years.

The representative powered suits, Fireball and Prowler

Gucker and Ketzer

Falke

Even the unique box art is eye-catching

Many models are on display like this

The mega popular S.A.F.S. suit

The Maschinen Krieger series began with the original model A.F.S. that was published in the Japanese modeling magazine Hobby Japan in 1982. Set on Earth in the 29th century after a nuclear war, the series is a sci-fi story about the fight between the Earth Independent Provisional Government and the Strahl Democratic Republic. A photo story that combines model dioramas and text, the series gained great popularity and plastic models began being manufactured in 1984. Considering that it’s not based on other media like novels or anime, the series is an extremely rare example of a sci-fi work that started from models being commercialized.

Articles published in a figure magazine (reprint)

Advertisements, instructions, etc.

Rough sketches

Maschinen Krieger artwork created by Yokoyama

Pictures of dioramas used for magazine serials and more

Starting from works that won Yokoyama awards as a child, the exhibit features a plethora of items related to the Maschinen Krieger series including original suits created by Yokoyama that cover the past and present of the series, articles previously published in magazines, advertisements, illustrations, and more. There are also figures Yokoyama participated in creating along with rough works on display, so there’s plenty for both new fans and hardcore fans to enjoy.

Along with the mecha, the maintenance crew gives it a sense of reality

A diorama that looks like an actual war photo

Unique, round forms are another characteristic of the Maschinen Krieger series

There aren’t just mecha from Maschinen Krieger, visitors can also see fantasy-like figures from series including Ryu no Jidai

A work created using toys manufactured by Takara Tomy. It’s rare for Yokoyama to create a figure by combining parts from ready-made products

Humorous and lively subjects increase the sense of reality of the world of Maschinen Krieger

The exhibit is a great chance to easily understand both Maschinen Krieger and get introduced to Kow Yokoyama. Hardcore fans will also enjoy the subtle details of the painting and sculpting. For those interested, there is plenty to enjoy.

Visitors can get a close look at large figures

Yokoyama’s figures have even been used as jacket artwork for music albums

Masao Ogawa’s “1/5 Krote.” A large figure is also among the works on display

Pictures introducing Yokoyama’s workspace. The actual tools he uses and his tiered model collection are impressive

Completely different in taste from the existing robot anime genre, Machinen Krieger is heavy in military and hardcore sci-fi elements. It is also unique for its originality and extremely high level of detail. For those interested in Japanese original military mecha, seeing the real thing in person is not to be missed.

In 2017 a Hollywood version of Machinen Krieger was announced. Though the release date is still unknown, why not gear up for it by getting down to the Machinen Krieger Exhibit?